By Elizabeth F. McNamara
One incumbent, one former member and three others are running for School Committee. Notably none are Republican.
Lori McEwen, a Democrat who won a two-year term in 2016 (in a election to fill the seat vacated by David Osborne), is running for reelection. Other Democrats running include Eugene Quinn, a mathematics professor who ran for School Committee in 2012; Alyson Powell, a lawyer, and Anne Musella, also a lawyer.
Independent Susan Records also declared her candidacy. She served two terms on the School Committee, from 2006 to 2014.
Committee members Yan Sun and Michael Fain are not seeking reelection. Committeewoman Mary Ellen Winters is also not running but she has served three terms (12 years) and is term-limited out.
School Committee members serve four-year terms. The terms are staggered, so three members do not face reelection this year: Chairwoman Carolyn Mark, a Democrat; Jeff Dronzek, an independent; and Matt Plain, a Republican.
The Republicans have run full or near full slates for School Committee for the past several elections. With the departure of Winters, Plain will be the only Republican on the School Committee for the coming term.
Read about the Town Council candidates here.
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Anne Musella was very disrespectful, laughing, moaning and huffing as parents brought bus safety concerns to her while she sat on the transportation committee. She seemed overwhelmed by what work was being asked of her and unable to speak respectfully to parents with concerns. I am surprised to see her name on the list of candidates. As a full-time professional, I found her behavior very surprising and inappropriate.
I am so happy Anne Musella is running! Working with her on the transportation committee, she has spent long hours of her time working to increase communication and improve the overall efficiency of the buses. She has been the moving force behind tracking down bus invoices and reviewing the bus contract with a fine tooth comb. If she applies this to other aspects of the schools, we will all benefit. I would characterize her as brilliant.